Sports
High School Sports

St. Joe’s basketball court renamed in honour of coach

St. Joseph’s high school basketball coach Richard Mommersteeg was honoured recently when the school he’s worked at for more than 30 years dedicated the basketball court in his name. The court, now known as Mommersteeg Court, is a testament to the man’s commitment to his students and school. (Laura Broadley/Times-Journal)

For more than three decades Richard Mommersteeg has led the St. Joe’s basketball team through wins and through losses. For his years of service St. Joe’s honoured Mommersteeg recently by dedicating the court in his name.

The basketball court in the school’s gym will now be known as Mommersteeg Court. Fellow teacher Eric Usic said the court was a fit for the name because that’s where Mommersteeg spent most of his time.

The announcement of the dedication was made recently during an alumni night during a basketball game.

Mommersteeg described feeling “overwhelmed” by the idea that the court is named in his honour.

“It was very special that night because there was about 70 different alumni players that evening,” Mommersteeg said.

As a teacher Mommersteeg has spent more time on the court than in the classroom.

“Richard’s been with us for 31 years … and he’s spent most of his school life here on the court. A lot of after hours,” said principal Jackie Campigotto. “We thought this was a really fitting tribute to him so that when people walk into our gym they can see that we’ve dedicated it as Mommersteeg Court.”

Basketball will always have a special place in Mommersteeg’s heart even after he’s retired at the end of the school year.

“Basketball is pretty special to me. I’ve done a lot with students over the years at this school with basketball. Having the opportunity to have it identified as my court, the name of the court, is really, really nice,” Mommersteeg said.

Mommersteeg said he loves coming to work every day, on and off the court.

“To me it’s pretty special just to come to work. But what I love about being a teacher is what I also do outside of the classroom. I find that having the ability to learn about people, what teenagers are like outside the classroom, is really special to me. When you’re a coach you get to see that in multiple ways,” Mommersteeg said.

Basketball coach wasn’t the only hat that Mommersteeg wore over the years.

“(Mommersteeg has) certainly inspired a lot of our young athletes here – not only in basketball but in soccer and hockey and other sports as well,” Campigotto said.

Although he’ll be leaving St. Joe’s at the end of the year, the passion he’s felt for the game won’t leave.

“This place is a passionate place for me and this is where it all starts … We’ve had so many championship games done in this gymnasium that it’s part of me.”